Totally stole this from a couple other blogs I follow...

Commentary: The word 'retarded' is hurtful and needs to be cut from our vocabulary

By Becky Pings / Teen Press Corps
http://www.fresnobee.com/lifestyle/teens/v-printerfriendly/story/1014430.html

'Once upon a time ... there was a retard."

You think that's funny?

I don't.

Neither do the millions of Americans who are joining the growing movement to eradicate the word "retarded" from the modern vocabulary.

Simply defined, "retarded" means "delayed." While it was once a clinical term used to describe individuals with developmental disabilities, it is now an archaic term, a part of modern slang which equates to anything substandard or "stupid."

The word in its modern sense dates back to the 1950s, an insult thrown on school campuses and in sandlots across the nation. It was never as widely used as it is today, however, where one can hardly walk down a street without hearing it or seeing its impact.

I would know.

My brother has autism and Down syndrome. He loves the simple things: baseball, swimming, books and music. And just like every other person, he has feelings. When he hears the word "retard," even if it's not meant as a direct insult, it's not only a slap in the face to him, but to all disabled persons everywhere.

The fact remains that the word "retard" and all its derivatives is a hate word which, even in the most benign context, belittles and segregates the disabled. It promotes bigotry and intolerance in a society that claims "all men are created equal."

The argument to this has been heard time and time again: "But you know I didn't mean it like that. Stop being so sensitive." It is not the intent of a word, but rather its effect and connotation, that has the greatest effect.

Ben Stiller's blockbuster "Tropic Thunder" is a poignant example of the effects of the "R" word versus intention: Moviemakers claimed the liberal use of "retard" jokes was satire, while critics called the humor tasteless and offensive. Because the "satirical" humor didn't stay in context, the word found new popularity, thereby perpetuating discrimination.

Innocent humor. Satire. Whatever you call it, the word "retarded" is a hate word and should be regarded as such.

Just ask my brother, the retard.

Doesn't quite have the same ring that it did in the movie, does it?
Becky Pings attends Edison High School.

Exciting News!

I have lots and lots to catch up on but I have some VERY FUN news! I had to put a gate around the Christmas tree tonight because Vinnie decided to CRAWL!! I am just overjoyed, I am crying and laughing. He was starting to scoot forward in California but he saw his cousin Grace's prsents under the tree and took off after them. He is still on his belly for the most part but he's really getting around!!!

Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving is almost here. This year we are heading to California to spend the holiday with Jayson's dad. We made these plans before grandpa died. Now I feel kind of funny leaving my family, Thanksgiving was grandpas holiday and just recently we had taken over the duties because he just couldn't do it anymore. Don't get me wrong I am SUPER excited to spend some time with my family in San Diego and Bob (Jayson's dad) and his partner (whom I LOVE) in Palm Springs. I think it will be a sad day for me though, to me Thanksgiving was more like grandpas birthday. It was a time where he got to see most of his family together and that to him was what life was about.

So this year my list of things to be thankful for will include the amount of time I get/got to spend with my grandparents, we are/were so lucky to have them in our lives for so long.

I have lots more to say about Thanksgiving and my feeling this year but I have to get ready for my trip!

Why do we ALWAYS have neighbor issues?

So, our neighbor across the street apparently thinks it's ok to dump his yardwaste onto our property. Why is it that people think it's ok to do these things? Who dumps their CRAP onto other peoples property? I just don't get it. And then, why is it always us? This was the stupidness that led to the whole mess at our old house!! UGH! What do I do now? I really want to pick it all up and dump it back onto their property but I know that would be childish (would feel good though).

Rudy finds out Vinnie has DS...

Jayson and I were filling out the survey some doctor is doing for DS research stuff. The four of us sitting at the kitchen table, Rudy eating his mac and cheese and me feeding Vin his green beans and applesauce. Jayson says to Rudy "Do you like having a brother with Down syndrome?" Rudy "no". Jayson "you know Vinnie has Down syndrome right?" Rudy "I don't like baby food". Please be on alert, baby food IS Down syndrome! And all this time we thought it was genetics!!

Some pictures...

Rudy's Monster